Home Manual 2021

HOUSE MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Contents
PA RT 1 : H O M E M A N P O W E R

PA RT 2 : H O M E M A I N T E N A N C E

PA RT 3 : H O M E S E RV I C E S

PA RT 4 : H O M E G U E S T / V I S I T O R S

PA RT 5 : H O M E H Y G I E N E
PA RT 1 :

Home Manpower
 Recommended Home Workers Structure

HOUSEKEEPERS LAUNDRY ATTENDANT NANNY (OPTIONAL)

HEAD CHEF ASSISTANT CHEF SERVERS

ASSISTANT HOUSE
HOUSE MANAGER
MANAGER SECURITY GUARDS
OR BUTLER

HEAD GARDENER ASSISTANT GARDENER

PRIVATE NURSE

HANDY MAN
DRIVERS
Different Workers Sections in a Home

A. Home Management Section

1. House Manager/Butler
 House managers keep things running smoothly in the employer's home.
Common house manager duties include grocery shopping, laundry,
running errands, cleaning, making appointments, coordinating travel,
handling household billing, maintaining cars, buying gifts on their
employers' behalf, and more. A house manager may also be expected to
cook for the family on occasion, or all of the time. She might also
communicate with the employers' work assistants to coordinate schedules.

 Depending on the scope of the household, a house manager may need to

oversee or manage other employees, such as housekeepers, nannies, cooks
and gardeners

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

2. Assistant House Manager/Butler

 In the absence of the House Manager, he or she will supervise the house
workers, ensure the daily staffing while maintains safe staffing levels
within the house, households has been done well and provide guidance
and support in all aspects of the worker system, manage and participate in
all aspects of house works.

 Provide full support to the house managers in terms of decisions coming

from the family they were serving.

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

B. Housekeeping Section
1. Housekeepers or House Maids
Main responsibilities includes
 sweep, scrub, mop and polish floors
 vacuum clean carpets, rugs and draperies
 shampoo carpets, rugs and upholstery
 dust and polish furniture and fittings
 clean metal fixtures and fittings
 empty and clean trash containers
 dispose of trash in a sanitary manner
 clean wash basins, mirrors, tubs and showers
 wipe down glass surfaces
 make up beds and change linens as required
 tidy up rooms
 wash windows as scheduled
 operate mechanized cleaning equipment
 maintain all cleaning equipment and materials in a safe and sanitary working PRIVATE NURSE

condition
 monitor and report necessary domestic repairs and replacements
Different Workers Sections in a Home
2. Laundry Attendant
Main responsibilities includes
 Sorting, washing, drying, pressing, and folding clothing and other textile items.
 Removing stains from items using the appropriate procedures.
 Performing minor sewing duties.
 Tracking which items belong to whom.
 Keeping an updated inventory of laundry detergents and sewing kits.
 Tracking maintenance and repairs on laundering equipment.
 Ensuring that the facility remains clean at all times.

3. Nanny (Optional)
Main responsibilities includes
 Bottle-feeding infants and changing diapers when required.
 Entertaining infants, keeping them warm, happy and clean at all times, and playing with them.
 Collecting children from school.
 Giving children lunch and in-between snacks, encouraging them to assist with household chores,
helping them with homework, and supervising them during play.
 Transporting and collecting children to and from play dates and extramural activities.PRIVATE NURSE
 Running errands as required.
 Performing other duties as required.
Different Workers Sections in a Home

C. Kitchen Section
1. Head Chef or Head Cook
A Head Chef role is made up of many varying responsibilities including:
 Controlling and directing the food preparation process
 Approving and polishing dishes before they reach the family they’re serving
 Managing and working closely with his assistant in all levels
 Creating menu items, recipes and developing dishes ensuring variety and quality
 Determining food inventory needs, stocking and ordering
 Ultimately responsible for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including
sanitary and food safety guidelines
 Being responsible for health and safety
 Being responsible for food hygiene practices

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

2. Assistant Chef or Assistant Cook

An Assistant Cook, or Assistant Chef ensures

 the kitchen is orderly and assists the head chef to prepare and arrange food.
 cleaning the kitchen area, washing dishes and utensils and ensuring that the head
chef has everything required to run the kitchen efficiently.
 washing and cleaning the kitchen and food preparation area.
 help with preparing ingredients for foods, beverages and cocktails; testing new
dishes and planning menus.
 Other responsibilities include removing rubbish, washing bins and disinfecting the
entire kitchen to meet health and safety standards.
 Assist the house manager for grocery shopping to make sure all the ingredients he
needs will be included.
 also maintain the kitchen inventory, buy and store ingredients and clear the
refrigerators.

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

3. Servers
The Servers responsibilities include:

 Preparing the food and drinks/beverage and carefully arranged the condiments to be
used on the table
 Greeting and seating the members of the family
 Serving the menu item recommendations
 Communicating any food allergy or special nutrition needs to kitchen staff
 Ensuring that the dining table are filled quickly and accurately and that food is high
quality
 Providing attentive service to diners, like refilling drinks as needed and checking
their needs during meals
 Promptly addressing any issues and referring  to head chef if and when necessary
 Performing some cleaning duties, such as at the service station, around the kitchen
and in the dining area

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

D. Gardening and Landscaping Section

1. Head Gardener
 Responsibility for managing the gardens and ensuring that all requisite tasks are
completed to maintaining a well cared for garden.
 Responsible to carry out skilled gardening and general garden and maintenance
work involved in all aspects of gardening.
 includes managing his team for design and planning, planting and growing plants
from seed, purchasing plants, managing pests and keeping the area generally well
maintained.
 Managing general garden maintenance and DIY for both the garden and garden area
including basic carpentry and minor painting and decorating.
 Regular checks and assessments for maintenance, health and safety and security,
ensuring jobs are performed as and when they are required.

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

2. Assistant Gardener
Responsibility for assisting the head gardener for his major tasks and the following
tasks:

 Completion of basic garden tasks, such as weeding, composting, planting,

harvesting, pruning, watering, landscaping, etc.
 Surveying the garden for work that needs doing.
 Tidying up trash or tools that have been left out.
 Helping with livestock chores

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

E. Medical Section
1. Private Home Nurse
 A private duty nurse is a registered nurse who provides patients with one-on-one,
long-term care in their homes. They take care of a patient’s basic, daily needs and
help with chronic health problems. Private duty nurses aim to help patients stay
within their homes and live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. 
 Assessing changes in the medical status of patients
 Managing chronic illness
 Administering medications
 Helping with daily living activities
 Creating treatment plans for patients
 Making diet plans for the patient
 Providing hospice care
 Completing patient care documentation and other paperwork

PRIVATE NURSE
Different Workers Sections in a Home

F. Transportation Section
1. Private Personal Drivers
 Personal drivers typically work by transporting family members between
destinations. Also known as chauffeurs, personal drivers usually operate their
vehicles.
 Fetching and welcoming family members at the beginning of their trip.
 Loading and unloading family members' possessions, as required.
 Traveling via the most efficient routes, unless otherwise directed.
 Complying with road regulations at all times.
 Engaging in conversation or playing music, if suitable.
 Ensuring that family members’ identities and conversations remain confidential.
 Apprising family members of local services that may be of use to them.
 Ensuring that the automobile remains clean and well maintained.
Different Workers Sections in a Home

G. Maintenance Section
1. Handyman
 A Handyman, or Maintenance Handyman, conducts basic maintenance on various
businesses or homes. Their main duties include repairing plumbing systems, fixing
company equipment or tools and testing various company or home appliances to
ensure they work properly
 Perform electrical repairs in home areas, including lights and laundry.
 Ensure mechanical equipment is in working order and fixed as necessary.
 Complete general home cleaning and maintenance.
 Install and replace floors, stairs and piping as needed.
 Repair and paint doors, windows, walls, ceilings, roofs and other parts of the home.
 Maintain trash and recycling receptacles around the facility.
 Maintain and repair air conditioning and heating systems as required.
Different Workers Sections in a Home

H. Safety and Protection Section

1. Security Guards
 Secures premises and personnel by patrolling property; monitoring surveillance
equipment; inspecting home, equipment, and access points; permitting entry.
 Obtains help by sounding alarms.
 Prevents losses and damage by reporting irregularities; informing violators of
policy and procedures; restraining trespassers.
 Completes reports by recording observations, information, occurrences, and
surveillance activities; interviewing witnesses; obtaining signatures.
 Maintains environment by monitoring and setting home and equipment controls.
PA RT 2 :

Home Maintenance
Home Maintenance

This Maintenance guidelines is here to provide with information needed to care for and maintain the house and
to prepare for the minor adjustments and maintenance necessary.

To help us pinpoint when specific maintenance items should be performed, these part is divided into distinct time
periods.

A. Common Checklist
B. Every Month
C. Every Six Months
D. Annually.
A. Common Checklist

1. BATHROOMS • Apply silicone based grout sealer to ceramic tile grout if you wish to give the grout additional protection
against discoloration from spills and stains.

2. ELECTRICAL • Locate the main circuit breaker in the electrical panel box and know how to turn it off in case of emergency.

3. FIRE EXTINGUISHER • Purchase a general purpose fire extinguisher for each floor of the home plus one small kitchen
extinguisher for a grease fire. Demonstrate proper usage to family members in case of an emergency.

4. FIRST AID KIT • Keep first aid materials and a book on first aid procedures in an accessible location.

5. FLOORING • Attach furniture protectors underneath furniture legs to protect flooring finishes.
A. Common Checklist

6. HOUSEHOLD TOOLS • Acquire basic tools to help you with normal home maintenance chores including: pliers, regular
adjustable wrench, large adjustable wrench (for emergency gas shut-off), flat blade and Phillips head screwdrivers, claw hammer,
tape measure, caulk and caulking gun, putty knife, paint roller and brush, power drill and drill bits, assorted nails, brads, screws, nuts,
bolts, sandpaper, utility knife, toilet plunger, gloves, ladder, flashlight and batteries.

7. LANDSCAPE • Make sure that the water system is doing good, plants are in best conditions, free from pests and other factors
that could damage the landscaping.

8. PLUMBING • Locate and label the main water line shut-off valve and all individual valves and learn how to close them in case
of a plumbing emergency.

9. NATURALGAS • Locate and label the main gas line shut-off valve at the exterior of the home and all individual valves and learn
how to close them in case of a gas leak.
B. Monthly Checklists

1. HEATING • Check air filters and clean or replace as necessary. • Vacuum air supply and air return registers to remove dust and
lint.

2. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS • Check fire extinguishers to ensure that they are fully charged.

3. GARBAGE DISPOSAL • Clean disposal of garbage area at all times

4. INTERIOR CAULKING • Check for cracks or separations in caulking around sinks, bathtubs, toilets, faucets, counter tops and
back splashes, ceramic walls, resilient and ceramic floors, window sills, and any other areas originally caulked by your builder.

5. SMOKE DETECTORS if any• Test smoke detectors. • Clean and/or vacuum detector openings as necessary. • When one battery
beeps (indicating a new one is needed) replace the batteries in every smoke detector in the entire home.
C. Every 6 Months Checklists
1. CABINETS • Check screws on cabinet hardware and tighten as necessary. (Hinges, knobs, etc.)

2. DOORS • Check screws on door lock set and hardware and tighten as necessary.
• Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors as necessary.
• Clean sliding door track and apply silicone spray to tracks as necessary. Caution: only use silicone
lubricant; oil will cause the rollers to deteriorate. Take necessary steps to protect adjacent flooring
from the silicone, as it may discolor.
• Oil moving parts of garage door.

3. ELECTRICAL • Check electrical extension and appliance cords. Replace frayed or split cords.

4. EXTERIOR FINISHES • Check for cracks and voids in exterior caulking and re-caulk as necessary.
• Inspect vinyl siding and clean, as needed, per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check exterior painted surfaces for damage and weathering.
C. Every 6 Months Checklists
1. CABINETS • Check screws on cabinet hardware and tighten as necessary. (Hinges, knobs, etc.)

2. DOORS • Check screws on door lock set and hardware and tighten as necessary.
• Lubricate bi-fold and by-pass doors as necessary.
• Clean sliding door track and apply silicone spray to tracks as necessary. Caution: only use silicone
lubricant; oil will cause the rollers to deteriorate. Take necessary steps to protect adjacent flooring
from the silicone, as it may discolor.
• Oil moving parts of garage door.

3. ELECTRICAL • Check electrical extension and appliance cords. Replace frayed or split cords.

4. EXTERIOR FINISHES • Check for cracks and voids in exterior caulking and re-caulk as necessary.
• Inspect vinyl siding and clean, as needed, per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check exterior painted surfaces for damage and weathering.
D. Annually Checklists

1. CABINETS • Check drawers and hinges for proper alignment. Tighten and adjust as needed.

2. DOORS • Check and repair or replace weather-stripping on exterior doors as necessary.

• Check and tighten door hardware and lubricate as necessary.
• Tighten all bolts on garage doors.

3. TERMITE TREATMENT • Contact an exterminator to set up termite treatment.

4. WINDOWS • Check skylights for loose flashing and gaps in caulking. Take care not to crack asphalt shingles.
• Even when the house has vinyl siding installed, there may be areas where there is caulking around
window that are wood wrapped. Check all windows for gaps in caulking at these locations and repair
as necessary.
PA RT 3 :

Home Services
A. Appliances

Any appliances come with instruction manuals and other papers. Read all instruction literature carefully and fill out and mail
any documents necessary to record warranties. If you purchase your own appliances, carefully measure existing appliance openings
to ensure proper fit.
The appliance manufacturers warrant their products directly according to the terms and conditions of these written warranties.

Caution: Any alteration of the standard installation of the appliance performed by an unlicensed contractor may void the warranty.
A. Appliances

Helpful Hints:

1. Refrigerator/Freezer:
- Check the gaskets regularly for a tight seal. Clean gaskets regularly and
adjust or replace gaskets as needed.
- Refrigerator temperatures should be between 38-42 degrees. Freezer
temperatures should be set at zero degrees.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers away from heating appliances. Do not
plug a freezer into a “ground/fault” receptacle because the circuit may
trip and not be discovered for some time, allowing the contents of the
refrigerator or freezer to spoil.
A. Appliances

Helpful Hints:

2. Dishwasher: Use only when you have a full load. Use the shortest wash
cycle.

3. Cook Tops/Stoves/Ovens: Do not allow dirt to accumulate. Clean with a

recommended over the-counter cleaner. Do not use harsh abrasives unless
specified. Clean all filters regularly.
A. Appliances

Helpful Hints:

4. Range Hood Fan/Microwave: The range hood/micro-hood fan filter

collects grease; it should therefore be cleaned regularly. Soaking the filter
or lightly brushing it in hot soapy water is the best cleaning method. Be
sure the filter is totally dry before reinstalling it.
Warranty Service

For warranty service on an appliance, contact the Appliance Manufacturer Model No. Serial Contact
No of
appropriate manufacturer directly at the service number service
Refrigerator
provided in the appliance literature. You will need to supply the
Microwave
model and serial number (usually located on a small metal plate
Dishwasher
or seal attached to the appliance in an inconspicuous location.)
Washing
For easy reference log those numbers on the form to the right. Machine
Etc….
B. Brass and Chrome Fixtures
The manufacturer treats brass fixtures with a clear protective coating, electro- statically
applied, to provide beauty and durability. This coating is not impervious to wear and
tear. Atmospheric conditions, sunlight, caustic agents such as paints, and scratches
from sharp objects can cause the protective coating to crack or peel, exposing the brass
and resulting in spotting and discoloration.

Cleaning: Initial care of these products requires only periodic cleaning with a mild, nonabrasive
soap and buffing with a soft cloth.

Polish: When peeling, spotting, or discoloration occurs, you can sometimes restore the beauty of
the metal by completely removing the remaining coating and hand-polishing the item with a
suitable brass polish. Applying a light coat of wax and buffing with a soft cloth helps maintain the
gloss.
C. Cabinets
Kitchen and bathroom cabinets should never be cleaned with harsh
abrasives. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed when not in use.

Cleaning : Products such as lemon oil or polishes that include scratch cover are suggested for
wood cabinet care. Follow container directions. Use such products a maximum of once every 3
to 6 months to avoid excessive build-up.

Hinges, Drawer Glides : If hinges catch or drawer glides become sluggish, a small amount of
silicone lubricant will improve their performance.

Moisture : Damage to cabinet surfaces and warping can result from operating appliances that
generate large amounts of moisture (such as a crock pot) too near the cabinet. When operating
such appliances, place them in a location that is not directly under a cabinet. During the
orientation we confirm that all cabinet parts are installed and that their surfaces are in
acceptable condition.
D. Carpet

Your carpet should require little maintenance beyond regular

vacuuming and occasional cleaning for tough stains or buildup of
dirt in high traffic areas. Refer to various manufacturers’
recommendations for additional information on the care of your
floor coverings.

Cleaning : You can add years to the life of your carpet with regular care. The most
important thing you can do to protect your carpet is to vacuum it frequently. Vacuum
twice each week lightly and once a week thoroughly. Wipe spills and clean stains
immediately.
E. Ceramic Tile

Cleaning :Ceramic tile is one of the easiest tiles to maintain. Use a wet cloth
with warm water to clean the tiles. Avoid adding detergent to the water.

Grout Discoloration : Clean grout that becomes yellowed or stained with a

fiber brush, cleanser, and water. Grout cleansers and whiteners are available
at most hardware stores.

Sealing Grout: Sealing grout is your decision and responsibility. Once grout
has been sealed, ongoing maintenance of that seal is necessary and limited
warranty coverage on grout that has been sealed is voided.
F. Concrete Flatworks

We anticipate stresses on concrete driveways, walks, and steps and have

provided contraction and expansion joints to minimize cracking. However,
cracking is one of the characteristics of concrete, and a method of entirely
eliminating cracks has not been discovered yet. Ordinarily the cracks are of
no serious consequence.

Heavy Vehicles: Do not permit heavy vehicles such as moving vans or

concrete trucks to drive on your concrete work.

Color: Concrete slab/flatwork varies in color. No correction is provided for

this condition, it is normal in concrete
G. Counter Tops

Do not cut food directly on the countertop because the knife may dent or
nick the surface. Protect the counter from heat and from extremely hot pans.
If you cannot put your hand on it, do not put it on the counter.

Caulking/Silicone: The caulking/silicone between the countertop and the

wall, along the joint at the backsplash, and around the sink may shrink,
leaving a slight gap. Maintaining a good seal in these locations is important
to keep moisture from reaching the wood under the laminates and to prevent
warping.

Cleaning: Avoid abrasive cleaners that will damage the luster of the surface.
H. Door and Locks

The doors installed in your home are subject to such natural characteristics of
wood as shrinkage and warping. Due to natural fluctuations of humidity and
the use of forced air furnaces, showers, and dishwashers, interior doors may
occasionally require minor adjustments

Hinges: You can remedy a squeaky door hinge by removing the hinge pin and applying
a silicone lubricant to it. Avoid using oil, as it can gum up or attract dirt.

Locks: Lubricate door locks with graphite or other waterproof lubricant. Avoid oil, as it
will gum up.
I. Electrical Systems
Know the location of the breaker panel and the main shut-off that controls all the
electrical power to the home. Each breaker should be marked to help you identify which
breaker is connected to which major appliances, outlets or other service. Should a failure
occur in any part of your home, always check the breakers in the main panel box

Circuit Breakers : Circuit breakers and fuses protect the electrical wiring and equipment in your home
from overloading. They are the safety valves of your home’s electrical system. Every house should
have a master circuit breaker.

Breaker Tripping : Breakers trip due to overloads caused by plugging too many appliances into a
circuit, a worn cord or defective appliance, or operating an appliance with too high of a voltage
requirement for the circuit. The starting of an electrical motor can also trip a breaker.

Power Failures: In case of a complete power failure, first determine if your neighbors have power. If
they do not, notify the power company. If the power failure affects only your house, check the master
switch and circuit breaker.
J. Mirrors
To clean your mirror, use any reliable liquid glass cleaner available at most hardware or grocery stores. Avoid getting glass
cleaners on plumbing fixtures as some formulas can deteriorate the finish.

K. Paint and Stain

Avoid abrasive cleaners, scoring pads, or scrub brushes. Flat paints show washing marks more easily than gloss
paints do.

Touch-Up : When doing paint touch-up, use a small brush, applying paint only to the damaged spot. Touch-up may not match
the surrounding area exactly, even if the same paint mix is used. When it is time to repaint a room, prepare the wall surfaces first
by cleaning with a mild soap and water mixture or a reliable cleaning product.

Wall Cracks : It is suggest that you wait until after the first heating season to repair drywall cracks or other separations due to
shrinkage.
L. Plumbing

The plumbing in your home was installed by a professional and generally should need
only minimum maintenance if you care for it properly. If any problem arises, attend to it
promptly to prevent a bigger, and often more costly, problem.

Cleaning : Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning fixtures. Avoid abrasive cleansers, they remove the shiny finish and leave
behind a porous surface that is difficult to keep clean. Clean plumbing fixtures with a soft sponge and soapy water (a nonabrasive cleaner or
a liquid detergent is usually recommended by manufacturers.) Then polish the fixtures with a dry cloth to prevent water spots. Care for brass
fixtures with a good-quality brass cleaner, available at most hardware stores.

Leaks : If a major plumbing leak occurs, the first step is to turn off the supply of water to the area involved. This may mean shutting off the
water to the entire home. Familiarize with the location of this shut off. Then contact the appropriate contractor
M. Roof
Your roof will give you many years of good service if it is properly maintained . Flashing seals those places where the
roof abuts walls, chimneys, or valleys where two roof slopes meet.

Leaks: If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the area that requires repair when the roof is
dry.

N. Stairs

No known method of installation prevents all vibration or squeaks in a staircase. A shrinkage crack will develop
where the stairs meet the wall. When this occurs, apply a thin bead of latex caulk and, when dry, touch up with
paint.
M. Roof
Your roof will give you many years of good service if it is properly maintained . Flashing seals those places where the
roof abuts walls, chimneys, or valleys where two roof slopes meet.

Leaks: If a leak occurs, try to detect the exact location. This will greatly simplify finding the area that requires repair when the roof is
dry.

N. Stairs

No known method of installation prevents all vibration or squeaks in a staircase. A shrinkage crack will develop
where the stairs meet the wall. When this occurs, apply a thin bead of latex caulk and, when dry, touch up with
paint.
PA RT 4 :

Home Guests / Visitors

Whether you’re hosting friends for the evening or family members for several days, welcoming guests to your home sets
the tone of your visit. Here are a few ways to make it more meaningful.

A. Think ahead

If you’re expecting guests, here are some thoughtful ways to prepare:

• Be ready to welcome them with open arms and a smile.

• Prepare some kind of refreshment – whether it’s a hot or cold drink or a little something to nibble.
• Turn off the TV and turn on some music.
• Put your technology away and get ready to give your guests your full attention.
• In case of visiting other places, make a car ready with a well groomed driver to assist them for their visits.
B. For Overnight Guests/ Visitors

If you know you’ll host overnight guests, thoughtfully arrange their guest area:

• Use fresh sheets and gather pillows and blankets.

• Gather bath towels and a basket full of helpful toiletries.
• Make sure an alarm clock is in bedroom.
• Keep water bottles and a little snack (Chocolate? Mints?) near the sleeping area.
• Leave any Wi-Fi passwords your guests might need.

C. Give Directions

Make sure your guests know where they can find everything: bathroom, fridge, their belongings etc.
Or better yet have someone, a housekeeper to attend their needs.
PA RT 5 :

Home Hygiene
General home hygiene involves regularly cleaning the inside and outside of your house. You also need to handle food
properly and take care of your health to keep your living space clean. Some of the reasons why proper home hygiene
is essential for your property include:

It keeps the family healthy: Good home hygiene helps prevent the spread of germs and infection. Bacteria may hide in different
parts of the house, so you should clean high-traffic areas regularly. Be mindful of dealing with bacteria as you cook and clean in the
kitchen to reduce the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses.

It creates a more comfortable space: Poor hygiene in the house may lead to undesirable smells and sights. Cleaning your home
allows you to enjoy your living space without unpleasant distractions.

It keeps pests out of the house: Insects and rodents enjoy moldy, dusty areas of the home where they can hide. When you clean
your house often, you could spot and deal with these pests before they cause an infestation.
Areas of the Home That Require Cleaning and the Proper Ways to Clean Them

To clean your home correctly, you should understand the difference

between cleaning versus disinfecting. Cleaning uses soap and water to
remove dirt and bacteria from surfaces. Disinfecting kills germs on
surfaces using chemicals. Both methods aim to reduce the spread of
infection in your house. As you clean and disinfect, pay special attention to
the following areas and cleaning techniques:
A. How to Clean Common Indoor Surfaces

You should regularly clean the indoor surfaces in your house, especially those high-traffic areas that everyone touches. If someone in
your family is sick, you should also disinfect your living space to prevent the spread of germs. Keep these tasks in mind as you clean
and disinfect the house

Cleaning countertops: Wipe down countertops in the kitchen and bathroom with a microfiber cloth and a household cleaner. As you cook,
you should also clean spills to prevent stains and bacteria. Remember that all label guidelines and specifications should be reviewed prior to
using any cleaning supplies or disinfectants and that you should only use products within their specifications.

Wash the dishes: Clear the dishes out of your sink each day, running them through the dishwasher or cleaning them by hand. Once a week,
run the kitchen sink strainer through the dishwasher.

Disinfect trash receptacles: Empty trash cans and take out the garbage often. Wipe down the containers with a cloth and sanitizing spray
when they’re empty.
A. How to Clean Common Indoor Surfaces
Disinfect trash receptacles: Empty trash cans and take out the garbage often. Wipe down the containers with a cloth and sanitizing spray when
they’re empty.

Clean the floors: Clean spills from the floor as they happen. Vacuum carpets and mop or sweep the floors once a week. If using floor cleaner,
follow the contact time recommended on the bottle.

Disinfect toys: Disinfect children’s plastic toys often. You can also wash their plush toys in the washing machine once a week.

Wipe knobs and faucets: People in your household touch doorknobs and turn on faucets all day. Sanitize the sink faucets, handles and
doorknobs with disinfecting wipes or a microfiber cloth and household cleaner.

Clean electronics: Wipe down your electronics, including your phone, at least once a week. Turn them off before you clean them, and use a
cleaner that’s safe for these sensitive products.

Change toothbrushes: You should replace your toothbrush once every three months. Once a week, wash the toothbrush holder in the
dishwasher or wipe it with a disinfecting wipe.
A. How to Clean Common Indoor Surfaces
Clean the floors: Clean spills from the floor as they happen. Vacuum carpets and mop or sweep the floors once a week. If using floor cleaner, follow
the contact time recommended on the bottle.

Disinfect toys: Disinfect children’s plastic toys often. You can also wash their plush toys in the washing machine once a week.

Wipe knobs and faucets: People in your household touch doorknobs and turn on faucets all day. Sanitize the sink faucets, handles and doorknobs with
disinfecting wipes or a microfiber cloth and household cleaner.

Clean electronics: Wipe down your electronics, including your phone, at least once a week. Turn them off before you clean them, and use a cleaner
that’s safe for these sensitive products.

Change toothbrushes: You should replace your toothbrush once every three months. Once a week, wash the toothbrush holder in the dishwasher or
wipe it with a disinfecting wipe.

Wash towels: Clean and change out towels and cleaning cloths often. If you have a sick person in the house, run the towels through the washing
machine in hot water. Adding vinegar to the towels may also fight germs and be a natural fabric softener.
B.  How to Clean Yard and Outside Surfaces
Yards may attract mold and pests when they aren’t properly maintained. Tidy your outdoor furniture and lawn by
following these tips:

Prevent mold growth in the yard: Stop the spread of mold by keeping moisture away from your property. Mow and rake the lawn at least once a
week. Inspect and clean your gutters in the spring and fall. Store firewood away from the house so you don’t attract termites and other insects.

Clean the lawn: Remove fallen tree branches and other debris that may bring mold and pests into your backyard.

Clean concrete patios: Use a broom to sweep away as much debris as possible. If your concrete patio needs more cleaning than that, wash it with the
spray attachment on a hose or a power washer.

Clean wooden decks: Sweep the deck with a broom and apply a wood cleaner or soapy water with a sponge. After rinsing, let the deck dry. Once a
year, seal your deck to keep the wood panels from rotting or collecting mildew. You may need to replace a rotten panel so it doesn’t affect the others.
B.  How to Clean Yard and Outside Surfaces
Clean the grill: You should clean your grill before you put it away in the fall to prevent the food bits from producing mold. Scrape the grates with a
grill stone or a metal brush to get rid of any additional debris. If there are stubborn pieces of food, you may need to soak the grates in a large bucket of
soap and water, then use the metal brush to scrape them clean. For simple cleaning, use a soap that gets rid of grease.

Clean the siding: You can use a hose to remove the dust and dirt on your siding. For deeper cleaning, scrub the siding with soapy water and a stiff
brush.

Clean the outdoor furniture: To protect your outdoor furniture, keep a cover on it or bring the cushions inside when you’re not using them. Wipe any
chairs and tables clean with soapy water. If you find mildew on your cushions, wait for them to dry. Scrub the surface mold with a brush and rinse the
cushion with a hose.

Clean the garbage cans: Wash the garage cans with soapy water once every few months. Always dispose of waste in a bag and clean up leaks from
the bottom of the can.
c. How to Clean and Inspect the HVAC System, Air Ducts and Dryer Vents
Your HVAC system and dryer vents could affect the air quality of your home. Air conditioners could contain harmful
chemicals and bacteria if you don’t properly clean them. Follow these tips for keeping these parts of your house clean:

Clean the dryer vents: Clean the lint filter inside the dryer after each use. About once a month, vacuum the lint stuck inside the dryer. Then, unplug
the dryer from the wall and vacuum the lint from inside the dryer vent connected to the wall.

Clean the registers: First, turn on the fan to break up the dust you may have in the ducts. Then, turn off the fan and lift the registers. Sweep out the
dust and debris with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.

Let a professional technician to tune-up the air conditioner: The coil in your air conditioner may develop rust and debris due to wear and tear on
the machine. Before the summer heat reaches a peak, hire a professional to perform annual maintenance, like coil cleaning
c. How to Clean and Inspect the HVAC System, Air Ducts and Dryer Vents

Let a professional to clean the ductwork: Cleaning the HVAC vents that circulate air to various rooms of your home only covers a
small fraction of the overall ductwork.

Clean or replace your air filters: Clean your air filters at least once a month and replace them if they’ve torn.
D. Personal Hygiene for the Family
While you’re at home, you can take care of yourself and your loved ones by practicing personal hygiene. Follow these
tips to control any illnesses in your household:

1. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching or eating food, after you use the bathroom
and after you take out the trash.
2. Take a shower or bath daily.
3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
5. If you’re sick, stay home and away from others for at least 24 hours (or longer, if directed by medical professionals) after the
fever is gone.
6. Cough and sneeze into your arm or a tissue, turning away from other people.
7. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth when you interact with a sick person.
8. Avoid sharing cups or dishes with those who are sick.
E. Food Handling Hygiene at Home

1. Always check the expiration date when buying at the market

2. Refrigerate food within 2 hours.
3. Wash your hands before, during and after preparing food, especially after using the bathroom.
4. Wash raw fruits and vegetables before eating them, even if you plan to cook them.
5. When using cutting boards, use one for raw fruits and vegetables and one for raw meats.
6. Wash cutting boards and surfaces with antibacterial soap and hot water when cooking raw meat.
7. Instead of thawing foods at room temperature, put them in the refrigerator and cook them when they’re ready.
8. Cook raw meat according to its recommended internal temperature.
9. Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below and your freezer below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
10. If you are sick, avoid preparing food for others for at least two days after symptoms stop.